Tura, Feb 13: The unified peace movement for Garo hills, an umbrella
organization of all civil societies today met to discuss the
prevailing law & order scenario.
The forum expressed serious concern on the growing insurgency, which
has led to a chaotic atmosphere. The meeting dwelt on the need to
organize a peace rally to pledge for unity and harmony.
Towards this end, peace rallies are being chalk out.
The date for such a mass movement has been fixed for March 9.
They also deliberated on the need to form a consultative committee to
hold negotiation with the militants. The meeting resolved to appeal
for peace by urging militants to shun violence.
Chairperson of the forum, Mariam D Shira, a former minister in
Meghalaya cabinet mooted for a steering committee to lead the
movement. She endorsed names for the committee, which will be shortly
announced.
Headmaster of Don Bosco School, Rev. Fr. Janurias Sangma, who is the
chief organizer for the movement suggested for a ‘peace pledge’ to
mobilize the people.
National Peoples’ Party (NPP) leader, Roger Benny Sangma called for
participation in the movement to urged outfits to come forward for
talks. “Peace is the need of the hour. We all have to lend our support to
this effect”, said Roger.
President of influential Garo Students Union (GSU), Tengsak Momin
sought for proactive involvement of church leaders in their movement.
He said, “Churches have to play a pivotal role in making insurgents
realize the need for peace”.
Director of Bakdil, Fr Sunny said, “It is important to study the
reality of the growing insurgency situation in Garo hills”. Terming
the government as a silent spectator towards the chaotic situation, he
sought for concrete steps to negotiate peace.
He also dwelt on the ideological issues, which has led to the
mushrooming of outfits, who are engaged in arbitrary killing and
extortion.
Former Tura MLA, Billikid Sangma called for a non-political movement
to ensure that peace prevails in Garo hills. He urged on the need for
a committed will from all concerned to negotiate peace.
An activist of Federation of Khasi, Jaintia and Garo People (FKJGP),
Bappun Sangma deliberated on the need to provide rehabilitation
package for the militants coming forward.
“The issue of insurgency should be the priority of the government.
They have to find means and ways to resolve in amicably by inviting
all groups”, said Bappun.
Chairperson of the forum, Mariam D Shira addressing the peace meeting
at Tura on Thursday.(SP News)
